Robotic Glove Training on Hand Function in Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Efficacy of Task-Oriented Robotic Glove Training on Hand Function in Children With Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy. A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of task-oriented robotic glove training on hand function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

Children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy commonly experience impaired hand function, muscle weakness, and reduced fine motor control, which limit their ability to perform daily functional activities and decrease independence. Recent advances in rehabilitation technology, such as soft robotic gloves provide assisted and repetitive hand movements to facilitate motor learning that in turm improve hand function, and bimanual activities required for everyday life. Several studies support the benefit of soft robotic gloves on hand function among adults with neurological disorders while, there is limited evidence conducted its effect on children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Hence, there is need to study the the effect of task-oriented robotic glove training on hand function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

Fourty children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (based on power analysis) from both sexes (5-12 years) will be recruited from outpatient clinics at faculty of physical theray, Deraya and Beni-Suef University, and different pediatric physical therapy rehabilitation clinics. They will be divided randomly into control group (20 children) and study group (20 children). Control group will be participated in conventional physical therapy program. Study group will be received task-oriented training with soft robotic glove in addition to the same conventional physical therapy in control group

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children ages will be ranged from 5 to 12 years.
2. Children with mild to moderate spasticity of the wrist flexor muscles, graded 1,+1 and 2 according to the Modified Ashworth Scale.
3. Ability to grasp and release objects with affected hand (Level I or II or III in accordance with the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS)).
4. Sufficient cognition to follow simple verbal instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Fractures, fixed deformities, or severe contractures in the upper limb.
2. Visual or auditory defects.
3. Previous surgical intervention or Botulinum toxin injection in the last 6 months.